Some programs offered by Ontario colleges are considered highly competitive, which means that there are more qualified applicants for the program than there are seats available for the fall start date.

In order to be considered for admission into these programs, applicants MUST apply on or before the Equal Consideration Date (February 1). After this date, seats in highly competitive programs may be filled and applications to these programs may be closed.

Applicants will be accepted for highly competitive programs in the following priority:

Permanent residents of Ontario

Permanent residents of other provinces or territories in Canada

Applicants from other countries

Depending on the program, colleges may require specific secondary school subjects as prerequisites, and they may set minimum grade cut-offs in these subjects. Some programs may also require a portfolio, essay, or other supporting documentation.

Applicants are encouraged to visit college websites for more details about admission requirements to highly competitive programs.

Which programs are highly competitive?

If you’re browsing programs using our Find a Program tool, the program details will indicate if a program is highly competitive.